Contributions by the German National Library commemorating Germany’s presidency of the Council of the EU

In the second half of 2020, Germany took over the presidency of the Council of the European Union from Croatia. For six months, the federal government chaired the Council's meetings, represented it in other EU organs and negotiated economic policy initiatives with European partners. As the memory of the nation, the German National Library was keen to emphasise the importance of Europe for our country, both in our past and for our future. This is why we accompanied Germany’s presidency of the Council of the EU with a wide range of events. After all, the European Union is much more than just politics and economics. Culture is not only an important economic factor but also a vital part of our lives. Particularly in the current situation, in which limits are being imposed to prevent the spread of infection, the importance of culture is becoming abundantly and also quite painfully clear. When theatres, cinemas, museums, archives and libraries close their doors, people find they are missing a vital part of their lives and an important means of identification.

It is therefore logical, even self-evident, that culture, and with it the German National Library as one of the most important cultural heritage institutions, engaged with the topic of Europe in its own activities and events commemorating Germany’s presidency of the Council of the EU.